1. Variation in Humidity Heightens Eye Pressures
A primary factor causing problems for glaucoma patients during the monsoon season is the unexpected variability in humidity levels.The humidity will hinder drainage of the aqueous humor that provides the fluid support for intraocular pressure (IOP). An impediment to drainage often facilitates increased eye pressure leading to discomfort, heaviness or pain. Even minor increases in IOP cause sensitivity for glaucoma patients often making the rainy season a troublesome time to manage their glaucoma.
2. Diminished Natural Light Adds Strain to the Optic Nerve
Monsoon days are unseasonably gloomy, cloudy and have little daylight.
In lower light-even for people without vision problems-they tend to dilate their pupil so more light can enter the eye. For individuals with glaucoma:
- A dilated pupil may cause temporary blockage of the drainage angle.
- The blocked drainage angle prevents liquid to flow properly and causes increases in eye pressure.
- The optic nerve may be even more stressed ultimately and could cause direct headaches or ocular fatigue to the patient.
- This is one of the most common reasons that glaucoma patients suffer symptoms during the rainy season, especially patients who have angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma.
3. Increased Risk of Eye Infection
The rainy season increases exposures to:
- Dust particles
- Water based pollutants
- Airborne spores/microbes
These allergens can easily go into the eyes even in patients using their glaucoma eye drops and already they are dealing with a delicate ocular surface. Therefore, for these reasons patients may experience:
- Redness,
- Burning,
- Tearing
possible long-standing outcomes of ocular surface infection.Infected or irritant eyes always worsen the patient experience with managing glaucoma.
4. Cooler Winds Set-Off Drying and Strain to Eye
Even though the relative humidity outside is high, what an outside temperature of less than 90 degrees paired with cold outside wind and the added effects of air conditioning to a person's internal environment will lead to dry eye.Dryness impacts glaucoma patients more because:
- The cornea becomes more sensitive.
- Eye drops may cause stinging.
- Blurred vision may become more pronounced.
- Pain or pressure may become more noticeable.
- Dry eyes and glaucoma can combine to make the rainy season uncomfortable in general.
5. Weather-Associated Migraines Affect the Symptoms of Glaucoma:
A sudden decrease in atmospheric pressure, which is pandemic during rainy weather, can bring upon:
- Migraines
- Facial Pain
- Pressure Around the Eyes.
Migraine headache and glaucoma symptoms can overlap in the way they feel, which increases the "sense of discomfort." Patients can confuse migraine during the rainy season for disease progression and vice versa, so awareness is important.
Common Glaucoma Symptoms That Are Increasing During This Rainy Season:
If you are noticing these symptoms more than ever, it may be the rainy season triggers mentioned above:
- Heaviness or pressure around the eyes
- Mild or moderate headache
- Blurred or foggy vision
- Eye pain with reading or screen time
- Halos around lights
- Red or watery eyes
- Increased sensitivity to dim conditions.
These are common symptoms of glaucoma, especially in the rainy season, and should not be ignored.
How to Protect Your Eyes During the Rainy Season
1. Be Wythe Adaptable With Your Eye Drop Routines
- Climate can change, however medication shouldn't!
- Medicate with your prescribed drops at the same time, everyday to ensure pressure in the eyes is stable within the limits of 'normal.'
- Do not miss a drop even if your symptoms aren't severe.
2. Reduce Screen Time During Low-Light Hours
Try to avoid long usage of mobiles or laptop when it is:
- Raining hard
- Lights are dim
- You are in a dark setting
- Instead, keep bright indoor lighting and take breaks frequently.
- Keep Your Eyes Clean and Free of Infection
During monsoon, it is important to:
- Wash your eyes calmly with clean water
- Do not touch your eyes with wet and dirty hands
- Do not share towels or eye makeup
- Preventing an infection can lower the risks that may come with the irritation in your eyes.
- Stay Away from Direct Rainwater
- Rainwater has dust, pollution, and allergens, all of which can lead to irritation in sensitive eyes.
In addition, avoid:
- Walking outside in the rain without glasses\
- Letting the rain into your eyes
- Rubbing your eyes without wiping them first
- Stay Indoors During Rapid Weather Changes
When you see changes that are happening close together, like when it starts to rain hard, when clouds appear to darken suddenly, minutes can be limited. Note that this is when the fastest change in atmospheric pressure occurs; the drop in atmospheric pressure may cause the intraocular pressure (IOP) to spike.
Use Protective Eyewear When You Go Outdoors
Even a simple pair of glasses will help protect the eyes from:
Dust
- Wind
- Rain drops
- Pollutants
All of which will lessen the irritation in the eye, and in those who have glaucoma, will protect the eyes from the irritation.
Regular Eye Pressure Check-Ups Are Important
Because monsoon seasons can influence IOP, it is the perfect time of year to get in your:
- Tests for eye pressure
- Examinations of the angle
- Evaluations of the optic nerve
- To detect changes early to prevent further damage.
Lifestyle Advice for Glaucoma Patients
- Make sure to stay hydrated to keep the IOP stable
- Eat anti-inflammation foods that include leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, etc.
- Do not smoke, and limit the amount of caffeine
- Sleep 7–8 hours to not strain the optic nerve
- Do not do tight yoga poses that will rise eye pressure
All of these things matter when it comes down to it; however, all of these small life changes can make a large change to someone that has the normal experience/repercussions with the rainy season.
The rainy season is beautiful and all, but it also brings different challenges to those who have glaucoma like: added humidity, less light, and more chance of infection or changes in the weather that adds to causing irritation. Realizing, understanding how this may affect your eyes can help you stay vigilant in documenting anything that may be affecting your vision even without the discomfort of sudden deterioration.
If you or your loved ones are noticing worsening symptoms of glaucoma during the rainy season, then please, go to and schedule at least an evaluation with a specialist who can assess changes.
To learn more about glaucoma care, diagnostics, and treatment options, visit The Eye Foundation.
Call today to book your appointment if you need to safeguard your vision!
